NYC Nightlife

                                                                                         

NYC Nightlife means different things to different people. To some, it's the latest Broadway musical or play; to others, it's trendy dance and supper clubs ranging from the Rainbow Room to 21; for many however, its the Big Apple's many world-class jazz clubs - and there are hundreds to choose from.

Jazz music and NYC Nightlife have been joined at the hip practically since before "jass" was even recognized as a distinct genre. Early ragtime composers such as Scott Joplin, Louis Chauvin and James Scott were all part of NYC Nightlife at some point during the career.

Although not "jazz" in the technical sense, the sophisticated syncopated rhythms of ragtime, which was the offspring of the rhythms and drumbeats of West Africa wedded to the polkas and schottisches of Northern Europe and the British Isles, had a tremendous influence on the development of jazz and popular music. Notable New Yorkers whose artistic works were strongly influenced by ragtime were Irving Berlin and George Gershwin; in fact, one of the best-known and best-loved of Berlin's songs is entitled Alexander's Ragtime Band.

Like modern "hip-hop," ragtime was a uniquely African-American form of music that became an integral part of NYC Nightlife. In its pure form however, ragtime would not last much beyond the end of the First World War. Already, ragtime's cross-fertilization with another form of West African music had produced the offspring that would displace the parent.

Derived from the mournful, unaccompanied folk songs of Mali, Senegal and Gambia, the blues had actually been around in the US as long as the "peculiar institution" of slavery itself. It was not until the late 19th century however that the unique half-tones and sliding notes that characterized blues singing combined with ragtime to produce what is today known as jazz.

Although jazz replaced ragtime as American popular music, its other parent - now called "rhythm and blues" - is still alive and well and part of NYC Nightlife. There are at least as many R&B venues in NYC as there are jazz clubs. Those who want to hear music that is even closer to its African roots than jazz, rock 'n' roll or hip hop will definitely want to check out one of the many R&B clubs that are part of NYC Nightlife.

About the author:
Anne Harvester writes about Social News,Culture, and Interest Stories from the big apple.


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